Lesson 1Tire and wheel inspection: tread, pressure ranges, lug nuts, and sidewall damage indicatorsDiscover how to check tyres and wheels for safe operation, covering tread depth, inflation ranges, matching, sidewall and bead damage, valve stems, rims, and lug nuts to identify defects before roadside breakdowns.
Measuring tread depth and wear patternsCorrect tire pressure ranges and checksSidewall, bead, and valve stem damage signsRim, wheel, and hub inspection proceduresLug nut torque, looseness, and rust trailsLesson 2Cab checks: instruments, gauges, seat belts, steering, horn, HVAC, mirrors, and visibility devicesGrasp how to inspect all in-cab systems prior to driving, including gauges, warning lights, steering play, pedals, seat belts, mirrors, HVAC, and visibility aids, ensuring the cab is safe, legal, and comfortable.
Instrument panel and warning light checksAir, oil pressure, and temperature gaugesSteering free play and pedal operationSeat belt condition and proper adjustmentMirror, camera, and visibility device setupHVAC, wipers, washers, and horn testsLesson 3Lights and electrical: headlights, taillights, turn signals, marker lights and wiring checksInvestigate inspecting lighting and electrical systems, such as headlights, turn signals, brake and marker lights, reflectors, wiring, and connectors, to guarantee visibility, road user communication, and legal compliance.
Headlight, high beam, and fog light checksBrake, turn signal, and hazard lightsMarker, clearance, and identification lightsReflectors, conspicuity tape, and platesWiring harness routing and chafing pointsConnectors, corrosion, and ground issuesLesson 4Air brake system fundamentals: reservoirs, compressor, governor, lines, glad hands, and warning signsAcquire practical knowledge of tractor-trailer air brake systems, including compressor, reservoirs, governor, lines, valves, and chambers, and perform applied, leakage, and low-air warning tests during pre-trip.
Air compressor, drive, and mounting checksReservoirs, drains, and moisture controlGovernor cut‑in and cut‑out verificationService, parking, and emergency brake testsAir lines, hoses, and glad hand inspectionLow‑air warning and spring brake activationLesson 5Document verification: license, medical certificate, permits, logbook/ELD, insurance, and shipping papersLearn to verify essential driver and vehicle documents before setting off, including CDL, medical card, permits, registration, insurance, and logbook or ELD records, to avoid citations, delays, and out-of-service orders.
CDL class, endorsements, and restrictionsMedical certificate validity and copiesVehicle registration and license platesPermits, oversize, and fuel tax documentsInsurance cards and proof of coverageLogbook or ELD status and supporting docsLesson 6Systematic exterior walkaround: chassis, suspension, frame, landing gear, and coupling componentsMaster a methodical exterior walkaround covering frame, suspension, axles, landing gear, coupling components, fuel system, and body panels, ensuring no vital defect is overlooked before road use.
Front of tractor: bumper, grille, and hoodSide checks: doors, steps, and fuel tanksFrame, crossmembers, and exhaust systemSuspension, springs, airbags, and shocksAxles, hubs, and visible leak detectionTrailer body, doors, and roof conditionLesson 7Coupling system checks: kingpin, fifth wheel locking, safety catches, and trailer landing gearUnderstand inspecting the coupling system between tractor and trailer, including kingpin, fifth wheel, locking jaws, release handle, safety devices, and landing gear, to avoid trailer separation and unsafe driving.
Kingpin wear, damage, and alignmentFifth wheel mounting, tilt, and conditionLocking jaws, pins, and safety latchRelease handle position and securityAir and electrical line support and slackLanding gear structure and crank operation
